Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 12/15/2008

Question
Dear Claes-Gustaf Nordquist!

I'm a 29 old and have pain only in the left side of the body, and realize there are several diseases besides brain tumors that could give me pain.
The pain has been gradually getting worse, is moving around and has affected everything but the head and arm.
Sometimes the pain is dull, sometimes sharp and surprising.
Taking a shower can be painful, wearing clothes is painful.

I know you are not a neurologist, and I will not ask you to be one, only to tell me if the following more specific (and hard to investigate) symptoms gives any sense to you in relation to brain tumors:

1. A very gentle touch on left side of chest gives pain in left side of chest and a fraction of a second later pain in the left leg (near the top, near the center of body, near the surface).

2. Sometimes I experience a delayed shock:
  a. I hear a little sound
  b. I realize the sound is just a harmless little sound
  c. A fraction of a second goes by
  d. I get a BIG shock

I suspect the delay is in the head together with the reason for the pain - and that I should try getting an expensive MRI ?

Thanks for being a nice person working for other reasons than money.

Rasmus

Answer
Honestly these are very interesting neurological symptoms! I do hope you do not mind me saying so. But - also honestly - I do not know why you have them. However they do not make me start thinking of brain tumors. On the other hand you should let a neurologist check you very thoroughly! Good luck!